Being present

So often I find myself going through the motions.  Like packing lunches, doing dishes, answering someones questions and, all the while, I am somewhere else.  I have been consciously trying to recognize when I am doing it.  When I do realize that I am not really present in what I am doing, I pause and make sure to stop any other activity or thought and be in the actual moment.  I notice that when I do this while speaking to someone and, truly look into their eyes, I feel different.  It's a good feeling, especially when you are speaking with someone special (like your child or spouse).   The feeling is hard to put into words, but somehow I feel more connected at that moment.  I don't dwell on it after the interaction or conversation has ended, but I do carry a lighter, maybe happier aura.  I'm so glad that I have started using this technique to become more present in whatever I am doing.  Even something as simple as eating.  Again, so many times I don't even think I tasted the food or beverage I consumed because I was somewhere else mentally or because I was doing other things while eating or drinking.  I am serious when I say, if you are present while you are eating or drinking something, it actually tastes different.  You will taste flavors in foods or beverages that you never did before, even if it is something you have had a hundred times. The next time you are eating something, don't do anything else.  Just be thankful for the food and, while you are chewing or drinking, think about the process and people involved that brought the food to your table.  I guarantee you will taste flavors that you never realized previously.  Another rewarding exercise to try is to completely be in the moment of a conversation.  Don't just look at them to be polite, truly look into their eyes.  Don't think about anything else, just be there, in that conversation.  You will understand what I mean when I say you feel differently when you are actually present. 

Home

I know most people take pride in the home that puts a roof over their heads, but how many of us appreciate our much larger home?  Can you imagine the wonderful results if we all took a little more responsibility and pride in our planet?  So many people think, "why should I care, there's plenty of resources" or that they will be long gone before anything runs out.  Pretending there is no issue or just not caring because it won't affect you is a cop-out and taking the easy road.  Although I may not be here to see the damaging affects of overusing our planets resources and pouring thousands of chemicals into the oceans, ground and air, my children, grandchildren, etc. will feel the affects.  Why shouldn't future generations be able to enjoy this amazing planet we live on.  Putting a little more effort into small changes add up in big ways.  Imagine if every person became more conscious of how much they let the water run, how often the lights or tv are left on while in another area of the house, how many pieces of paper towels are gone through unnecessarily, how many baggies are thrown out every week.  Making small changes such as turning the water off while brushing your teeth, turning lights and the tv off when leaving the room (even if it's only for a short time), using hand towels or reusable clothes to wipe off counters (they are washable if worried about bacteria), or using reusable sandwich and snack bags or containers.  All of these things add up especially the more people who begin to do it.  To become more aware of the very real damage happening to our planet and what you can do to help, check out www.timeforchange.org.